gold star for USAHOF

15. Norm Van Brocklin

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15. Norm Van Brocklin

The Rams arguably landed quite a deal when they drafted Norm Van Brocklin in the fourth round of the 1950 NFL Draft as the QB fell not because he wasn't good but because it was speculated by many that he would stay at the University of Oregon for his senior year.  He didn't, and the Rams would be the beneficiary of an incredible QB tandem with Bob Waterfield that would win the 1951 NFL Championship.  

Following the retirement of Waterfield, Van Brocklin would take over as the team's permanent Starting Quarterback (while also keeping punting duties), and in 1954 he would lead the NFL in Passing Yards.  A six-time Pro Bowler as a Ram, “The Dutchman” would finish first four times in Yards per Attempt.  Without question, Van Brocklin was considered to be in the upper echelon of QBs throughout the 1950s.

Van Brocklin would retire after the 1957 Season but would come back after agreeing to be traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, which suited him fine as his sudden retirement was more due to not wanting to play for Head Coach Sid Gilliam and his offensive schemes.  He would play three seasons

After his playing career was over, he would go on to coach and later broadcast.  He would be chosen for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971.

The Bullet Points

  • Position: Punter, Quarterback
  • Acquired: Selected in the 4th Round, 37th Overall in the NFL Draft 12/21/49.
  • Departed: Traded to the Philadelphia Eagles for Buck Lansford, Jimmy Harris and Philadelphia’s 1959 1st Round Pick (which would be Paul Dickson) 5/25/58.
  • Games Played: 104
  • Notable Statistics:

    65 Games Started
    1,011 Pass Completions
    1,897 Pass Attempts
    16,114 Passing Yards
    53.3 Pass Completion Percentage
    118 Touchdown Passes
    127 Interceptions
    74.7 Passer Rating
    72 Rushing Attempts
    35 Rushing Yards
    8 Rushing Touchdowns
    356 Punts
    15,340 Punting Yards

    6 Playoff Games
    37 Pass Completions
    75 Pass Attempts
    532 Passing Yards
    49.3 Pass Completion Percentage
    3 Touchdown Passes
    7 Interceptions
    47.2 Passer Rating
    3 Rushing Attempts
    -13 Rushing Yards
    11 Punts
    444 Punting Yards

  • Major Accolades and Awards:

    NFL Champion (1951)
    Pro Bowl (1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954 & 1955)
    Most Passing Yards (1954)
    Most Yards per Pass Attempt (1950, 1951, 1952 & 1954)
    Most Yards per Pass Completion (1950 & 1954)
    Highest Pass Completion Percentage (1952)
    Most Yards per Punt (1955)

Last modified on Friday, 05 August 2022 22:40

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